Emptying Tube in the Riser Pipe for Water-Conducting Lines at Risk of Frost in Winter

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an apparatus for emptying water-conducting lines at risk of frost, comprising an emptying tube ( 4 ) and a riser pipe ( 15 ), the emptying tube ( 4 ) being arranged in the interior of the riser pipe ( 15 ), and the riser pipe ( 15 ) being configured in such a way that the riser pipe ( 15 ) can be connected to the lowest point of the water-conducting line, with the result that, in the case of connection to the water-conducting line ( 1 ), the emptying tube ( 4 ) is guided in the interior of the riser pipe ( 15 ) to the lowest point of the line system which is formed, and water can be removed from the line system via the emptying tube ( 4 ). 
     Further aspects of the invention relate to a line system comprising an apparatus of this type, and to a method for emptying a line system of a pool.

The invention relates to an apparatus for emptying water-conducting lines at risk of frost, and to a method for emptying water-conducting lines of a pool.

PRIOR ART

Many line systems with water lines exist which are laid at least partially below ground and which are at risk of frost in winter, but which are not required during the frost period. If the lines do not have an emptying opening at the lowest point, liquid residues always remain in the line, see FIG. 1 in this regard. The water level in a pipe system which is open at two ends always corresponds to the height of the opening which is situated lowest.

In contrast, an apparatus for emptying said lines without a maintenance shaft has not existed up to now.

The problem of emptying lines which are at risk of frost in winter will be described in the following text using the example of a pool or a swimming pool which is situated outside. The below ground laying of water lines for pools is usually in regions which are close to the surface. Said lines as a rule open into the nozzle openings on the swimming pools. The further customary ends of the lines are pool heaters which lie above ground, and water preparation systems which lie both above ground and below ground.

Here, the problem lies in the fact that the lines at the deepest point are usually not accessible, and therefore water always remains within the line at least as high as the lowest opening which is made.

Lines which are laid below ground are at risk of frost in winter, however. Even in the case of a deep earth installation, there is the problem that part of the lines has to be conducted as far as the surface of the ground (for example, to the pool heater). Since the lines are at risk of frost in winter, the prior art discharges the water from the lines by virtue of the fact that the water in the pool is discharged until it is below the nozzles. Here, the nozzles frequently form the lowest point in the line network. By way of ventilation at the remaining ends, the water can subsequently be discharged from the line in the direction of the pool or swimming pool.

In addition, ground lines frequently lead from the water preparation means underground to heat pumps. Here too, the line forms a siphon, in which water remains up to the lowest opening either at the water preparation means and filter or at the heat pump. Therefore, the water remains upward as far as the surface of the ground, possibly even further.

Disadvantages of the Prior Art

Here, it is a disadvantage of the customary emptying of the lines via the nozzles into the pool or into the swimming pool that the water loss for the lowering of the water level in the pool which is necessary for this purpose is extremely great. This can be up to 90% of the water volume of a swimming pool or pool. On account of increasingly longer drought periods with little rain and climate change, however, water is becoming a very precious commodity.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages of the prior art are avoided by way of the apparatus which is described in patent claim 1 and by way of the method for emptying a water-conducting line of a pool as claimed in claim 10.

An apparatus is proposed for emptying water-conducting lines at risk of frost, comprising an emptying tube and a riser pipe, the emptying tube being arranged in the interior of the riser pipe, and the riser pipe being configured in such a way that the riser pipe can be connected to the lowest point of the water-conducting line, with the result that, in the case of connection to the water-conducting line, the emptying tube is guided in the interior of the riser pipe to the lowest point of the line system which is formed, and water can be removed from the line system via the emptying tube.

The apparatus can be connected in a manner which is fixed or can be dismantled to the water-conducting line. To this end, a connecting means is preferably provided at or in the vicinity of a first, lower end of the riser pipe. By way of connection of the apparatus according to the invention to the water-conducting line, a line system is provided which can be emptied easily for winter operation, without it being necessary for the water in a pool to be discharged. Accordingly, the length of the riser pipe is preferably selected in such a way that, after connection to the water-conducting line, a second, upper end of the riser pipe protrudes above the water level of a pool which is connected to the water-conducting line.

In order to establish a connection to the water-conducting line, the apparatus according to the invention preferably comprises a connecting means at or in the vicinity of a first, lower end. Said connecting means can be configured, in particular, as a connection piece for connection by way of a water nozzle to the water inlet of a pool. The connection piece can be set up, for example, for a plug-in connection or a screw-in connection to the water-conducting line. An adapter can possibly be provided, by way of which the water-conducting line can be provided with a corresponding thread.

As an alternative to this, the apparatus can also be connected fixedly to a water-conducting line, for example by way of welding or soldering.

Winter operation is understood to mean that the water-conducting line is not in use and is usually not filled or is at least not filled completely with water in order to avoid frost damage. Here, water which is possibly still present in the line is standing water. In summer operation, in contrast, frost damage is not to be expected on account of the prevailing temperatures, and the water-conducting line is in use, the water flowing through the line at least temporarily.

In order to initiate winter operation, it is provided, in particular, for water which remains in the water-conducting line to be removed as completely as possible with the use of the described apparatus.

The water-conducting line itself is not a constituent part of the apparatus according to the invention for emptying a water-conducting line. The invention can configure a line system according to the invention, however, by way of the fixed installation onto the water-conducting line. In this case, however, it is preferred that the emptying tube and the openings which are possibly present in the riser tube can be closed for normal operation. If the emptying tube can be disconnected from the riser tube and can therefore be removed for normal operation, it is preferred to provide a closure on the riser pipe, which closure seals said riser pipe in the case of the emptying tube being removed.

The riser pipe preferably comprises a siphon at the lowest point, which siphon forms the lowest point of the line system in the case of connection to the water-conducting line, with the result that water which remains in the water-conducting line can collect in the siphon and from which the water can be removed via the emptying tube.

The siphon can be configured, for example, as an extension of the riser pipe, with the result that a connecting means for the connection of the riser pipe to the water-conducting line does not directly adjoin the end of the riser pipe, but rather is arranged such that it is offset upward somewhat. The depth of the siphon is preferably selected to be in the range from 1 cm to 20 cm.

The apparatus preferably comprises, furthermore, a suction pump which is connected to the emptying tube and via which, in the case of connection to a line system, the water can be extracted from the water-conducting line via the emptying tube.

The emptying tube is received in the interior of the riser pipe in such a way that a clearance remains between an inner wall of the riser pipe and an outer wall of the emptying tube. Here, the clearance between the riser pipe and the emptying tube allows air to flow into the water-conducting line, with the result that no vacuum is produced in the water-conducting line as a result of the use of the suction pump, which vacuum makes a removal of the water more difficult.

Since self-priming pumps for small liquid quantities, in particular in the case of saltwater pools, are expensive and are subject to increased wear, a pressure system can also be used. It is preferably provided here that the riser pipe is closed in a pressure-resistant manner, and the apparatus has two connectors at a second end of the riser pipe, it being possible for a first connector to be connected to a compressed air source, such as, for example, an air pump, via which air can be blown from above into the riser pipe, whereas a second connector is connected to the emptying tube, with the result that, in the case of increasing air pressure, water is pressed via the low end of the emptying tube out of the line system.

In this case, two valves are in addition preferably provided which can close the two connectors in a pressure-tight manner, with the result that dismantling of the apparatus from the line system is not necessary for summer operation.

A simple electric air pump can be used, for example, as compressed air source, which electric air pump is also sufficient, for example, for the inflation of air mattresses, etc. In contrast to a suction pump, a water pump which is possibly resistant to chlorine and salt water is advantageously not required. In the case of this solution, the water-conducting line remains closed, with the result that a positive pressure can be built up. It is advantageous, furthermore, that pressure checks of the water-conducting line can be performed at any time via this system.

In addition to a pump, the apparatus preferably comprises a measuring point, such as an electric water detector, which is set up to switch on the pump if water flows in the line system. This is preferably combined with the provision of a siphon, the water detector then switching on the pump if a water level in the siphon exceeds a predefined value. Accordingly, the pump is preferably switched off again if the water level drops below a predefined minimum height.

The emptying tube is configured, for example, as a rigid pipe or as a flexible hose.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a line system with at least one water-conducting line, which line system comprises one of the apparatuses described herein for emptying water lines at risk of frost. It is provided here that the apparatus is connected for emptying purposes to the water-conducting line at the lowest point of the latter.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for emptying a water-conducting line of a pool for winter operation, one of the apparatuses for emptying a water-conducting line described herein being connected to a water nozzle of the pool, further water nozzles which exist possibly being closed, and water being removed from the water-conducting line via the emptying tube. To this end, for example, water can be pumped out of the line which is connected to the water nozzle via a suction pump which is connected to the emptying tube, or water can be pressed out via the emptying tube by way of introduction of compressed air into the water-conducting line.

EXAMPLE

In many cases, the water nozzles, via which water runs into the pool, are the lowest point of the water-conducting lines. If the pool is to remain filled in the case of a risk of frost for the lines, the line nevertheless has to be capable of being emptied. In this case, in the case of the emptying of the lines via the water nozzles, all the water nozzles which are connected to one another via the water-conducting line apart from one are to be closed via blind plugs. A screw connection to the riser pipe is to be attached to the remaining water nozzle, the riser pipe being of sufficiently great dimensions to receive the emptying tube and at the same time to make the ventilation possible at this point. It is recommended at the same time to provide, for emptying purposes, an opening in the pipeline at a further point which is above ground, which opening serves for ventilation. As a result, the emptying via a suction pump can be accelerated.

A further exemplary use option in the case of pools results in the case of ground lines between the water preparation means and the water heater. Here, a low point is to be equipped with a riser pipe with a lid which can be opened, and the tube is to be introduced here.

Advantages of the Invention

The water loss in the case of a 50 m³ pool is reduced from 25 m³ to 50 m³ to the water in the lines of approximately 0.2 m³.

The variant of claim 4 is particularly advantageous, since, in this case, a very simple electric air pump for air mattresses, etc. is sufficient, and a water pump which is possibly resistant to chlorine and salt water is not required. In the case of this solution, the remaining pipe system remains closed. It is advantageous, furthermore, that pressure checks of the water-conducting line can be performed at any time via this system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures diagrammatically show the subject matter of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows that the water level in a pipe system which is open at two ends always corresponds to the higher of the lowest lying opening.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of an apparatus for emptying water-conducting lines at risk of frost.

The apparatus comprises a riser pipe 15 and an emptying tube 4 which is arranged in the interior of the riser pipe 15.

In the situation which is shown in FIG. 1, a water-conducting line 1 opens on a pool wall 2 of a pool into a water nozzle 14. This water-conducting line 1 is to be emptied, without it being necessary for the water level in the pool to be lowered below the height of the water nozzle 14. The line 1 leads, for example, to an apparatus for the circulation of water.

In order to empty the water-conducting line 1, the apparatus according to the invention is connected to the water nozzle 14 of the pool. For the connection to the water-conducting line or for the connection to the water nozzle 14, a connector piece 13 is configured in the vicinity of the lower end of the riser pipe 15. As a result, a line system is provided, a region of the riser pipe 15, which region is configured as a siphon 12, being the lowest point of the line system which is formed. The emptying tube 4 protrudes with a lower end 11 into the siphon 12.

In order to remove the water, the apparatus additionally comprises a suction pump 6, the pump being controlled by way of a measuring point in the form of a water detector 10. The measuring point 10 activates the suction pump 6 if there is water in the siphon 12. For the removal of water, further water nozzles 14 which are possibly present are closed in addition, with the result that no water can flow from the pool into the line system which is formed.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the apparatus for emptying lines which are at risk of frost. As has already been described with reference to the first embodiment of FIG. 2, the apparatus is connected to one of the water nozzles 14 of a pool. In contrast to the first embodiment, the riser pipe 15 comprises, in the vicinity of the second, upper end, a connector for a compressed air line 9, a compressed air pump 7 which is connected to it, and a measuring point in the form of a water detector 10 for checking whether there is water in the riser pipe 15 or in the siphon 12 of the riser pipe 15. In addition, shut-off valves 5 and 8 can also be seen, by way of which the emptying tube 4 and the compressed air line 9 can be closed. In the case of this illustration, the riser pipe 15 is fixed via a connector piece 13 to a water nozzle 14 which is situated in the pool wall 2. The water nozzle 14 leads in turn to the water-conducting line 1 which is provided, for example, for the circulation of water. Via the emptying tube 4, the water which is situated in the siphon is pressed out of the riser pipe 15 by way of the elevated air pressure if compressed air is introduced into the line via the compressed air line 9.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the second embodiment which is described with reference to FIG. 3, the riser pipe 15 is attached directly to the water-conducting line 1. Here, the riser pipe 15 is configured for a permanent connection to the water-conducting line 1, and is preferably connected fixedly to the latter. Here, a siphon 2 is configured at the first, lower end of the riser pipe 15, which siphon 2 is the lowest point of the line system which is formed by way of the water-conducting line 1 and the riser pipe 15. In the embodiment which is shown, the emptying tube 4 is again arranged in the interior of the riser pipe 15. Furthermore, as has already been described with reference to the second embodiment of FIG. 3, the riser pipe 15 comprises a compressed air line 9 which is connected to the compressed air pump 7. The compressed air pump 7 is in turn connected to a measuring point which is configured as a water detector 10 and checks whether there is water in the riser pipe 15 or in the siphon 12 at the lower end of the riser pipe 15. In addition, the shut-off valves 5 and 8 can also be seen again, by way of which in each case the emptying tube 4 and the compressed air line 9 can be closed.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the first embodiment which is described with reference to FIG. 2, the riser pipe 15 is attached directly to the water-conducting line 1. Here, the riser pipe 15 is configured for a permanent connection to the water-conducting line 1, and is preferably connected fixedly to the latter. Here, a siphon 2 is configured at the first, lower end of the riser pipe 15, which siphon 2 is the lowest point of the line system which is formed by way of the water-conducting line 1 and the riser pipe 15. In the embodiment which is shown, the emptying tube 4 is again arranged in the interior of the riser pipe 15, and is configured as a suction tube. To this end, it is provided that a second, upper end of the riser pipe 15 is open, with the result that air can flow into the line system which is formed by way of the water-conducting line 1 and the riser pipe 15. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises an extraction pump 6 which is connected to a measuring point which is configured again as a water detector 10. The water detector 10 serves again to check whether there is water in the riser pipe 15 or in the siphon 12, and actuates the extraction pump 6 accordingly.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

-   1 Water-conducting line -   2 Pool wall -   3 Closure lid of the riser pipe -   4 Emptying and winter tube -   5 Shut-off valve -   6 Extraction pump -   7 Compressed air pump -   8 Shut-off valve -   9 Compressed air line into the riser pipe -   10 Water detector -   11 Lower tube end in the riser pipe -   12 Siphon in the riser pipe -   13 Connector piece from the riser pipe to the pool nozzle or a water     line -   14 Water nozzle -   15 Riser pipe 

1. An apparatus for emptying water-conducting lines at risk of frost, comprising an emptying tube and a riser pipe, the emptying tube being arranged in the interior of the riser pipe, and the riser pipe being configured in such a way that the riser pipe can be connected to the lowest point of the water-conducting line, with the result that, in the case of connection to the water-conducting line, the emptying tube is guided in the interior of the riser pipe to the lowest point of the line system which is formed, and water can be removed from the line system via the emptying tube.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the riser pipe has a siphon at the lowest point, which siphon forms the lowest point of the line system in the case of connection to the water-conducting line, with the result that water which remains in the water-conducting line can collect in the siphon and from which the water can be removed via the emptying tube.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises, furthermore, a pump which is connected to the emptying tube and via which, in the case of connection to the water-conducting line, the water can be extracted via the emptying tube.
 4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the riser pipe is closed in a pressure-resistant manner, and the apparatus has two connectors at a second, upper end of the riser pipe, it being possible for a first connector to be connected to a compressed air source, via which air can be blown from above into the riser pipe, whereas a second connector is connected to the emptying tube, with the result that, in the case of increasing air pressure, water is pressed via the lower end of the emptying tube out of the line system.
 5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein two valves are provided which can close the two connectors in a pressure-tight manner, with the result that dismantling of the apparatus from the water-conducting line is not necessary for summer operation.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein, in addition to a pump, the apparatus has a measuring point, in particular an electric water detector, which is set up to switch on the pump if water flows in the line system.
 7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emptying tube is configured as a rigid pipe or as a flexible hose.
 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second end of the riser pipe can be closed, with the result that the apparatus can remain connected to the water-conducting line during normal operation of the latter.
 9. A line system with at least one water-conducting line, the line system comprising: an apparatus for emptying one or more water-conducting lines, the apparatus comprising an emptying tube and a riser pipe, the emptying tube being arranged in the interior of the riser pipe, and the riser pipe being configured in such a way that the riser pipe can be connected to the lowest point of the water-conducting line, with the result that, in the case of connection to the water-conducting line, the emptying tube is guided in the interior of the riser pipe to the lowest point of the line system which is formed, and water can be removed from the line system via the emptying tube. wherein the apparatus is connected for emptying purposes to the water-conducting line at the lowest point of the latter.
 10. A method for emptying a water-conducting line of a pool for winter operation, the method comprising: connecting an apparatus for emptying water-lines to a water nozzle of the pool, the apparatus comprising an emptying tube and a riser pipe, the emptying tube arranged in an interior of the riser pipe, the rise pipe configured to be connected to a lowest point of the water-conducting line, such that, in the case of connection to the water-conducting line, the emptying tube is guided into the interior of the riser pipe to a lowest point of the line system, such that water can be removed from the line system via the emptying tube; and (i) pumping water from the water conducting line via a suction pump which is connected to the emptying tube; or (ii) pressing water out via the emptying tube by introducing compressed air into the water conducting line. 